Beavan's Stone Loach (Schistura beavani) Breeding Guide

Breeding overview for Schistura beavani, a South Asian Nemacheilidae stone loach; aquarium spawning unrecorded, honest genus-level notes.

Overview

Schistura beavani is a stone loach of the genus Schistura, family Nemacheilidae. Schistura is the most species-rich nemacheilid genus, with over 200 recognised species in streams and rivers of southern and eastern Asia, all adapted to fast-flowing water. Aquarium spawning of this species has not been documented.

Sexing

Sexing in Schistura is subtle and best judged within a group. As documented for the congener Schistura balteata, males may show enlarged mouthparts and 'cheeks', most visible from above or head-on, while females tend to be slightly thicker-bodied, particularly when carrying eggs.

Breeding Setup

Schistura loaches are associated with clear, well-oxygenated, fast-flowing water around watersheds and headwaters, with coarse sand, gravel, rocks and boulders and little aquatic vegetation. Recreating this high-gradient stream is the foundation for any breeding attempt.